7 Qiraat of Quran: Ultimate Guide to Perfecting Recitation

Have you ever wondered what the 7 Qiraat of Quran is all about? We all know that the Quran is a miraculous book, and one of its fascinating aspects is the existence of different readings.

The concept of Qirat, or the various styles of Quranic recitation, is often misunderstood by many Muslims.

To learn more about the 7 Qiraat of Quran, continue reading this article.

What is a Qirat in Islam?

Qirat, the plural form of Qirah, refers to the various authorized methods of reciting the Holy Quran. 

These methods encompass different lexical, phonetic, linguistic, morphological, and syntactical variations permitted in Quranic recitation. 

Each Qirah comes with its own set of rules regarding pronunciation and slight differences in words and letters. 

The study of these recitation styles is also known as Qirat, making it a specialized branch of Islamic studies. Thus, Qirat represents the verbal expression of the Quran, ensuring its preservation through oral tradition.

Also Read: Best Online 10 Qiraat Course for Sisters

The 7 Qiraat of Quran names

The 7 Qiraat of Quran in the Quran represents the different authorized methods of reciting the sacred text. 

These methods are named after renowned narrators, or Rawis, who transmitted these recitations through authenticated and established chains. 

Traditionally, there are seven well-recognized Qirat, with variations in the recitations amounting to around two thousand words. 

However, most Muslim countries primarily follow the Quranic recitation according to the Hafs narration from Asim. The ten recognized Qirat are categorized into:

Mashhur Qirat:

• Abu Jafar (d. 130/747)
• Yaqub (d. 205/820)
• Khalaf (d. 229/843)

Mutawatir Qirat:

• Nafi (d. 169/785)
• Ibn Kathir (d. 120/737)
• Abu ‘Amr ibn al-‘Ala’ (d. 154/762)
• Ibn ‘Amir (d. 154/762)
• ‘Asim (d. 127/744)
• Hamza (d. 156/772)
• Al-Kisai (d. 189/904)

The 7 Qiraat of Quran Mutawatir, known for their extensive chains of transmission, were selected by the notable Quranic scholar Abu Bakr ibn Mujahid. 

Discover: Read Warsh Quran Online

The 7 Qirat Of Quran Names

• Qirat Naafi Al-Madani originated in Medina. 

It was predominantly recited by Imam Malik and Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (R.A).

The primary transmitters (Qari) of this Qirat are Warsh and Qaloon.

• Qirat Ibn Katheer Al-Makki originated in Mecca. It was recited by Imam Shafii among others. 

The primary transmitters are Al-Buzzi and Qunbul.

• Qirat Hamzah al-Kufi originated in Kufa. Its primary transmitters are Khallad and Khalaf. 

It’s worth noting that Khalaf also has his own Qirat, known as Qirat Khalaf al-Bazzar.

• Qirat Al-Kisaai originated in Kufa.

Its primary transmitters are Al-Layth and Ad-Doori.

• Qirat Abu Amr al-Basri originated in Basra. 

Its primary transmitters are Ad-Doori and As-Soosi.

• Qirat Ibn Aamir ash-Shami originated in Syria.

Its primary transmitters were Ibn Dhakwan and Hisham.

• Qirat Asim Al-Kufi originated in Kufa. It was frequently recited by Imam Abu Hanifa and Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal. 

The primary transmitters are Hafs and Shuba.

While there are ten recognized Qirat, only the seven Mutawatir are often emphasized due to their widespread acceptance and historical significance. 

The additional three Qirat were identified later by the scholar Ibn al-Jazari during his travels, although they are less commonly referenced.

Today, the most widely used Qirat is Hafs an Asim, approximately 95% of the Muslim world uses the Hafs Mushaf, or written copy, of the Quran for general use.

Discover: Easy Way to Read Quran in Arabic

History of Harf and 7 Qiraat of Quran of the Quran 

The concept of different styles of recitation, known as the 7 Qiraat of Quran, has its origins during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Upon Him).

According to a hadith narrated by Umar bin Al-Khattab (R.A), he once heard Hisham bin Hakim reciting Surah Al-Furqan in a manner different from what he was accustomed to. 

This concerned Umar, who then brought the matter to the attention of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Upon Him).

The Prophet (Peace Upon Him) asked Hisham to recite, and upon hearing his recitation, the Prophet affirmed, “It was revealed in this way.” 

He then asked Umar (R.A) to recite as he knew, and similarly confirmed, “It was revealed in this way.” 

The Prophet further explained that the Quran was revealed in seven different ways, instructing, “So recite it in the way that you find easier.” 

This narrative is an interpretation of Hadith 2419 from Sahih Al-Bukhari.

How to Differentiate Between Qirat Different Styles

Differentiating between the 7 Qiraat of Quran styles involves recognizing distinct aspects of pronunciation, recitation patterns, and linguistic nuances. Here are some general guidelines to help distinguish between them:

Phonetics and Pronunciation:

Focus on the pronunciation of specific letters and sounds. Different Qirat may have unique variations in how certain Arabic letters or sounds are articulated.

Tajweed Rules:

Each Qiraah emphasizes certain Tajweed rules, such as those related to elongation (Madd), pauses (Waqf), and other articulation points. Understanding these rules can help identify the differences between Qirat.

Read also: Tajweed Rules Studies

Vowel Length and Harakat: 

Ensure accuracy in vowel length and the positioning of diacritical marks (Harakat). 

Variations can include differences in vowel length or the presence or absence of certain diacritics in different Qirat.

Rhythm and Melody:

Each Qiraah has its own rhythm and melodic pattern. 

Although these may not be immediately apparent to beginners, familiarity with different recitations can reveal the distinctive musicality of each style.

Word Endings and Conjugations:

Notice how words are pronounced at the ends of verses or within grammatical constructions. 

Variations in word endings and conjugations can distinguish different type of 7 Qiraat of Quran.

Consult a Qualified Teacher:

A qualified Quranic teacher with expertise in Qirat can provide invaluable guidance. 

They can correct your recitation, highlight specific differences, and help you understand the nuances of each style.

Listen to Different Recitations:

Regularly listening to proficient Qaris who follow different Qirat styles can enhance your ability to recognize variations in pronunciation and recitation patterns.

The fundamental purpose of Quranic recitation is to accurately comprehend and convey its message.

Although there are multiple ways to recite the Quran (7 Qiraat of Quran), it is imperative to adhere strictly to the rules of Tajweed.

Discover our Private Quran & 10 Qiraat Classes

Difference Between Qirat and Tajweed

Qirat and Tajweed are often confused, but they refer to distinct aspects of Quranic recitation. 

Qirat denotes the different traditional methods of reciting the Quran, each one of the 7 Qiraat of Quran has its own unique style and pronunciation rules. 

Tajweed, on the other hand, refers to the set of rules governing the correct articulation and recitation of the Quran. 

It ensures that the Quran is recited as it was revealed and taught to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who in turn taught these rules to his companions.

Each Qirat of 7 Qiraat of Quran includes its own Tajweed, meaning that while Qirat represents the overall style or method of recitation, Tajweed is the discipline that dictates how the words and letters should be pronounced correctly and beautifully. 

The term Tajweed literally means “to beautify” in Arabic, highlighting the emphasis on proper and graceful recitation.

At Ulum Al-Azhar Academy, we offer top-quality services led by the finest teachers, all graduates of Al-Azhar University, to teach the 7 Qiraat of Quran to non-Arabic speakers. 

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